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10 July 2006

Isarn

I’m in a state of mourning at the moment, my favourite restaurant in Islington, Isarn, has closed down due to what appears to be defaulting on the rent. They served gorgeously flavoured, modern Thai food in a gorgeous white walled room, with dark wood pannelling, friendly knowledgable staff and a good wine lise.

It’s a sad, but all to common occurrence in our city. Hundreds, if not thousands, of rubbish restaurants seem to flourish and grow more popular every year but innovative, establishments serving quality food such as Isarn seem to struggle. Now every time I went in there were people, it had buzz but not too much hype and a degree of popularity among a certain type of diner – so why does this happen? Is the weight of high rents and operating costs too much in London? Is it impossible to maintain quality and survive in what is a competitive high street against the chain's and cheapies? Or is it simply that the owners get sick of trying. Whatever the case its pretty sad.